Richard
Number of series hours per week:"The number of hours I spend on series per week strongly depends on the season, the amount of free time I have, and especially on how much time I actually want to spend on series. I mainly work late hours, and because I sleep little, I watch something almost every night. Some nights it's just one episode, while other nights I effortlessly binge-watch multiple episodes in a row. The latter happens most often. On the evenings when I'm free and at home, I always watch with my wife. These are series that I have 'collected' in advance via the MySeries app and that I know she will also find interesting. It has become a nice shared ritual for us. When I try to calculate how many hours I watch on average per week, I come to about 25 to 30 hours. Some weeks it's around 20 hours, while other weeks it easily goes towards 40 hours, especially when a series is so addictive that I just have to keep watching. My viewing behavior is flexible, but one thing is certain: watching series is an important and delightful fixed part of my week."
First series ever watched:"The very first series I watched were actually several at once, but there is one that stayed with me the most and has enormous sentimental value for me: Dallas. I used to watch it with my grandparents every Thursday evening on the BRT (now VRT). I remember it as if it were yesterday. The program Panorama was always broadcast before it, and it always ran over time. That was just part of it back then; television was less tightly scheduled than it is now, but that added a special charm and made the waiting even more exciting. Besides Dallas, I also watched other iconic series at that time, such as M*A*S*H, James Clavell's Shōgun, Battlestar Galactica (1978), Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, and many other classics. But none of those series evoke the same warm, nostalgic feelings as those Thursday evenings with my grandparents. Dallas is not just a series for me, but a memory of a time that will never return, a time when watching television was a real family moment."
Best series ever:"There are three series that stand head and shoulders above all others for me: Lost, Breaking Bad, and Game of Thrones. These three titles were not only addictive and of exceptional quality, but they are also special to me for another reason: I watched them with my wife and son. That made the experience even more intense. Even when we weren't watching episodes, we often talked about them. We discussed theories, analyzed characters, predicted plot twists, and were deeply involved in the developments. The nice thing was that we all had exactly the same experience; we were completely on the same page. It became a shared journey, one that connected us as a family in a special way. However, we unanimously agreed on another point: both the final season of Lost and that of Game of Thrones did not do justice to the series. The expectations were huge, the involvement enormous, and perhaps because of that, the ending felt underwhelming to us. But that doesn't take away from the journey that preceded it, because it was unforgettable. Breaking Bad, on the other hand? That series managed to deliver an ending that fully honored the quality of the whole. Perhaps that makes the trilogy of these three series so interesting: three masterpieces, each in their own way, each with a huge impact, but all with a totally different way of ending. They are series that I have not only watched but mostly experienced, and that makes them timeless for me."
Best series right now:"I don't really have a best series at the moment. I'm simply a true series enthusiast at heart, and I can enjoy many different series. Each series has its own strengths and can be 'the best' in its own way. Yet there are titles I think of a little more often or that make more of an impression on me, sometimes because they are exceptionally good, sometimes because they have a big impact, and sometimes just because they are delightful to watch. Examples of these are The Boys, Pluribus, Landman, IT: Welcome to Derry, Slow Horses, and many others. Each series that stands out to me does so for a specific reason. That could be a strong story, great acting performances, an intriguing subject, or because it somehow relates to series I have seen in the past. Sometimes it's the atmosphere, sometimes the tension, sometimes the originality, but it always touches something. Still, I must honestly say that there is no real standout at the moment like Game of Thrones used to be. A series that transcends everything, that everyone talks about, and that seems to define an entire era is currently missing for me. But maybe that's also the charm of this time; there are so many good series that it's hard to choose one absolute number one. And who knows… maybe the next great classic is already on the doorstep, ready to capture me once again."
Series on the agenda:"At the moment, I don't have a specific plan for what I want to watch soon. What I do notice, however, is that I regularly feel the urge to pick up a series from the 'old box' again. This undoubtedly has to do with the MySeries podcast, but probably also with my age. The older you get, the more you value nostalgia and discovering classics you missed at the time. There are many good series from the past that I never got around to. When they were released, my interests simply lay elsewhere. I've mentioned before that I was a true film enthusiast for years, which meant I missed quite a bit in terms of series. Now that I'm much more intensively involved with series, it feels like I want to make up for that lost time. The beauty of returning to older series is that they show you how the television landscape has evolved. Some titles feel surprisingly timeless, others are a wonderful glimpse into another time. And sometimes you discover gems you never expected to be so good. So although I don't have a strict schedule, I do have a kind of personal mission: exploring those forgotten or never discovered classics. Series that may have passed me by at the time but now deserve a second chance and might surprise me once again."
Richard, his username is Futsudo, 8 years and 9 months a member of MySeries.nl: “I am Richard, 54 years young, work full-time, and live with my wife in the southernmost part of the Netherlands, almost on the German and Belgian border. Originally, I'm from the beautiful Maastricht. We left that city years ago, but still live nearby, so Maastricht still feels like home. Almost nine years ago, I became a member of MySeries.nl. In the first years, I was honestly not very active, but that changed completely in the last four years. Nowadays, I visit the site daily, and MySeries has become a regular part of my routine. Although I've always been a 'addicted' film lover, that love has shifted to series in recent years. I rarely watch films anymore; series just suit this phase of my life better. Thanks to MySeries, watching series has become even more enjoyable for me. It gives structure to what I watch, inspires me to discover new titles, and creates a sense of connection with other series fans. Watching series is not only relaxation for me but has now also become a real hobby, one that I continue to deepen with great pleasure thanks to MySeries."
If you had to compile a personal top 5 of the best series you've ever seen, what would this top 5 look like and why is this your top 5?: “If I had to compile a personal top 5 of the best series I've ever seen, I would come back to the previously mentioned titles: Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, and Lost, supplemented with James Clavell's Shōgun and Westworld. Each of these five series has touched me in a different way, through their stories, their characters, their atmosphere, or simply because of the moment in my life when I watched them. Of course, there are many more series that could easily make it into my top 5. There are so many great series, each with their own qualities, that it becomes almost impossible to make a definitive ranking. But ultimately, a top 5 is mostly about feeling: what really touched you, which series changed your viewing experience, and which titles keep haunting your mind? One thing is certain for me: despite the disappointing final season, Game of Thrones remains undisputed at number one. No other series has had such a huge impact on me in terms of tension, world-building, emotional involvement, and the shared viewing experience with others. It was a phenomenal adventure that changed the television world forever. Breaking Bad comes right behind it as a masterpiece in storytelling and character development. Lost remains special to me for the way it combined mystery, tension, and emotion, and for the memories associated with it. James Clavell's Shōgun is a nostalgic classic that was ahead of its time, and Westworld fascinates with its layered themes and visual power. My top 5 is a mix of quality, feeling, and memory. And that's what makes it personal.“
What do you think is the worst series you have ever seen? Why?: “I couldn't really say what the worst series is that I've ever seen. Even when I look back at my ratings on MySeries, I hardly see any failing grades. This is mainly due to the enormous supply of series in recent years. There is so much to watch that I've taught myself to select efficiently. When I start a new series, I usually watch three episodes. For me, that's a good guideline to feel if a series grabs me. If it doesn't, I simply stop watching it. Why waste time when there are hundreds of other series waiting for me? Only if I read in reviews or other sources that you really need to persevere because the series picks up after a few episodes, will I sometimes give it another chance. But especially with newly started series, I quickly pull the plug if it doesn't immediately captivate me. The result is that I almost never watch truly bad series; I filter them out before they get the chance to earn a failing grade. That's why I can't point to one specific series as the worst. Bad series simply don't stay in my viewing routine long enough to disappoint me. In fact, that's the luxury of this time: there is so much choice that you only need to watch what you really enjoy. And everything that falls short of that? I just leave it behind.“
Which series are you currently following?: “Landman, IT: Welcome to Derry, Stranger Things, Pluribus, Mayor of Kingstown and from the old box Friends.“
In the world of series, there are countless genres. If you could choose one genre, what is your favorite genre and why?: “My favorite genre is science fiction. It attracts me because it pushes the boundaries of reality while telling deep, human stories. Sci-fi stimulates my imagination, makes me think about the future, technology, and humanity, and offers a form of escapism that is both exciting and meaningful. Series like Battlestar Galactica have shaped my love for the genre and keep bringing me back to new worlds and adventures.“
Do you have a preference for a country where the series should come from?: “When I look at my statistics on MySeries, America is at the top every year. That's logical, of course, given the huge number of series produced in America. My preference often goes to American series for this reason, but that certainly doesn't mean I skip other countries. On the contrary: there are real gems among series from other countries and in other languages. In my personal top ten, for example, you will find L'Amica Geniale (Italian), Babylon Berlin (German), and M - Il figlio del secolo (Italian). For me, the country of origin doesn't matter, what counts is the quality, the story, the atmosphere, and the way a series can captivate me. Discovering foreign gems also adds something unique; you get to know new cultures, hear different languages, and sometimes get a completely different storytelling style than in American series. Although America is dominant in my statistics and often my first choice, my heart remains open to special series from around the world. Ultimately, it's about the story, no matter where it comes from.“
Series are made by producers with a whole team behind them. The actors then convey the story. Do you have a favorite actor and/or actress or director/producer? Why?: “Vince Gilligan is a master of storytelling and character development for me. In Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, he lets ordinary people evolve into complex, layered characters, while bringing every scene to life with tension, humor, and attention to detail. His work shows that TV can be just as engaging and layered as cinema. At the moment, I'm also watching Pluribus, also from his hand, and that only confirms how brilliant he is at creating intriguing stories. Rebecca Ferguson is one of the most impressive actresses for me. She combines strength and vulnerability in a natural way, making her characters always feel authentic and layered. Her presence on screen is magnetic, and she brings every scene to life, making her my favorite actress.“
Have you ever been addicted to a series, or have you ever binge-watched a long-running series in one go? How did that happen and how did you deal with it?: “Yes, I can certainly remember being addicted to a series: The Walking Dead. There's a funny story behind it. When the series was originally on TV, my wife and son were completely hooked on it. I occasionally watched with them, but after a few minutes, I always tuned out again; zombies didn't interest me at the time. Years later, the series often came up in conversations about series. At some point, I decided to give the first episode another try. And sure enough… at the end of that episode, I wanted nothing more than to keep watching. What was once a series I could laugh at slowly became a story I couldn't miss anymore. Now I watch all the spin-offs too, and I can honestly say I can't do without it anymore.“
What do series mean to you? Is it a form of relaxation or something else?: “Series mean a combination of relaxation and hobby for me. It's a moment to sink away from the hustle and bustle of the day, without expectations or obligations. When I watch a series, I let myself be carried away into another world, and I notice that my mind relaxes. At the same time, it's much more than just relaxation for me; it's really a hobby. I follow new releases, make watchlists, discover what I like and what I don't, and I enjoy thinking creatively about them. So watching series for me is something that gives me both peace and inspiration, a place where relaxation and curiosity come together.“
Could you describe how you watch series for us? Where are you and how do you sit (and with whom)?: “Most of the time, I watch series alone, but when I'm home in the evenings, I watch with my wife. I usually watch on my 75-inch TV, although I no longer use my home cinema and surround sound. Since we have a dog, that system is actually always off. Because I often watch in the late hours, I regularly use headphones so I don't disturb anyone. Yet I don't limit myself to just one screen. If I'm on the go or have to wait somewhere, I just as easily continue watching on my iPad or even on my iPhone. For me, it's not just about the big screen, but mainly about the moment of peace I get from it. Series adapt to my day, whether I'm sitting on the couch at home or on the road, and always give me that feeling of relaxation and being able to disappear into another world.“
Do you wait until the episodes of your series are broadcast on Dutch television or do you stream? Or both? And do you have an account on Netflix/Videoland/Amazon or another paid channel or streaming service?: “We have subscriptions to virtually all major streaming services: Netflix, Videoland, Disney+, HBO Max, Prime Video, Canal+, Viaplay, NPO Start, Apple TV, and SkyShowtime. This means I always have more than enough choice, and sometimes even too much. The most popular series, the titles that are heavily advertised and have high expectations, I usually follow weekly. As soon as a new episode appears, I'm ready for it. But if there are too many, I have to make choices. In that case, I set aside some series and prefer to wait until the entire season is online, so I can watch it all at once later. With older or already completed series, it works exactly the opposite for me; then it's just wonderful to keep watching, episode after episode. I determine the pace myself then, without having to wait. Because I have access to so many platforms, watching series feels like a library where every room is a different world. Sometimes I consciously step into a new room because everyone is talking about it, and sometimes I wander through lesser-known titles. It makes my hobby not only diverse but also something I can continually discover.“
What score would you give yourself as a series fanatic? (on a scale of 1 to 10!) And why, and how does MySeries fit into that, and do you write for MySeries, or do you do something else?: “If I had to give myself a score as a series fanatic, I'd come out at 8.5. I'm not just someone who loves to watch series, but also someone who really delves into what appears, what happens in the series world, and which titles stand out. With all those streaming subscriptions, my regular viewing rhythm, and the fact that I follow both new releases and older series, I'm clearly above average. Why an 8.5? Because series are more than just entertainment for me. It's relaxation, a hobby, and even a subject I engage with creatively. I follow popular titles weekly, make conscious choices in my viewing behavior, keep track in a huge offering, and watch on all sorts of devices, from a 75-inch TV to my iPhone. But I don't give myself a 10 because I'm still looking for balance and don't need to see everything right when it comes out. It remains a pleasure, not a duty. How does MySeries fit into that? MySeries helps me organize my hobby even better. The platform gives me an overview, news, background information, and a place where I can organize my viewing behavior. It actually supports me in being that "series fanatic." It makes it easier to follow what's coming out, what's happening, and what I still want to see.“
Richard (Futsudo) is no longer The Unknown Series Viewer. We now know what he likes to watch and also where. Soon another series fan will be featured.
For now, with heartfelt thanks to Richard, until next time.
With kind regards,
Mandy
